Ben Spies will ride the Tech 3 Yamaha for 2010 in MotoGP, but the Texan will be competing at this weekend’s 2009 Valencia finale aboard a one-off Sterilgarda Yamaha liveried M1. The graphic design of the GP machine looks quite similar to the R1 Spies piloted to 14 wins, 11 pole positions and the SBK title in his rookie season.

There is, however, a notable difference, with Spies sporting Number 11. The World Superbike series know “Elbowz” as number 19, but American fans are quite familiar with “11” from Spies’ days in the AMA Superbike series. That is, if American fans remember way back before he started winning championships and carrying the Number 1 plate…

2009 MotoGP Gallery

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“I’m really excited for the opportunity to race at Valencia this weekend,” said Spies in a recent press release. “I’m fully aware that MotoGP is a big step up from World Superbike and realize it’s not going to be possible to achieve the same results in my first year there. I see this weekend as an opportunity to spend some time on the bike and start learning it for next season, and to have some fun as well!”

Spies already has a pair of top-10 MotoGP rides to his credit, with wild card entries at the two 2008 USGPs yielding a respectable 8-6 byline. The American will be on the prowl for another solid finish this weekend on the Sterilgarda M1 before testing in earnest on his ’10 Tech 3 ride.